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Interventional Oncology

Interventional Oncology

What is TheraSphere™

TheraSphere™ is a low-toxicity, liver-directed cancer therapy that is designed to effectively treat the disease while minimizing side effects.1–6,47

How does TheraSphere™ work?

TheraSphere™ consists of millions of tiny glass microspheres containing radioactive yttrium-90 (Y90).1,9 The microspheres have a mean diameter of 20–30 micrometers (about one-third of the width of a human hair) and are delivered directly to liver tumours.47 Treatment with TheraSphere™ is commonly referred to as transarterial radioembolisation (TARE) or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT).

How is TheraSphere™ administered?

TheraSphere™ is injected into the hepatic artery (the blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver) through a small, flexible, hollow tube (known as a catheter) that is inserted in the upper leg.47 The tiny radioactive glass microspheres flow directly into the liver tumour and become permanently lodged in the small blood vessels of the tumour.11 The radiation destroys tumour cells from within the tumour, with minimal impact to the surrounding healthy liver tissue.4,11,12 Although the microspheres will continue to emit radiation for some time after TheraSphere™ treatment, radiation levels decrease to about 15% of initial levels after one week and to insignificant levels soon there after.47

What happens after treatment with TheraSphere™?

TheraSphere™ treatment is well to rerated, with side effects that are normally milder than with many other liver cancer treatment.3,5,7 It is well tolerated, with side effects that are normally milder than with many other liver cancer treatments.3,5,7 Because the procedure is directed to the liver tumour, there is minimal impact to healthy tissue.4,11,12 After treatment, most TheraSphere™ patients are able to undergo further treatment options because the procedure does not block the vessels of the liver.7

What are the side effects of TheraSphere™?

TheraSphere™ treatment has some common side effects that may occur throughout the first week after treatment, including mild to moderate fatigue, pain and nausea.1,3,5,7 Physicians describe these symptoms as similar to those of the common flu. Some patients may experience loss of appetite and temporary changes in liver blood tests.1,3,5,7 Rare but more severe side effects are possible.1 For more information, please refer to the TheraSphere™ Instructions for Use.47

When can TheraSphere™ be used?

TheraSphere™ may be used to:

Treat cancer of the liver (hepatic neoplasia) cannot be removed by surgery47

TheraSphere™ is suitable for patients in whom either the liver is the only site of disease or the liver is the major site of disease.47 The effects of TheraSphere™ on tumours outside the liver has not yet been studied.

Before TheraSphere™ can be offered as a treatment option, several factors will be taken into consideration to minimize side effects and optimize therapy to the liver, including liver performance, medical history and the liver blood flow.47 Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse about the tests they will perform.

Imagine where we can go.

In the EU, TheraSphere™ is used in the treatment of hepatic neoplasia.

In Canada, TheraSphere™ may be used in the treatment of hepatic neoplasia patients who have appropriately positioned arterial catheters.

Common adverse effects include fatigue, pain, and nausea. The majority of adverse effects were mild to moderate in severity and were manageable or resolved over time. For details on rare or more severe adverse effects, please refer to the TheraSphere™ Instructions for Use at www.therasphere.com. 2,3,47,48